Her Story
About Donna
Donna Wemple serves as an administrative assistant in the Adult Education Center on a college campus in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. In this role for the past nine years, she assists the department director and instructors, communicates with and supports students in the program, ensures smooth operations as the first point of contact, and works as a certified test proctor. She is a member of COABE. Wemple previously held positions at a doctor's office and a car dealership before serving as executive assistant to the CEO at the nonprofit CASA, Court-appointed Special Advocates for Children, which she considers a career highlight due to the meaningful work with families in need. She also spent eight years at the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce as a CVB member, sales member director, Coeur d'Alene race director, and volunteer director for Ironman races. Wemple attributes her success to a lifetime of self-education and diverse work experiences that began in her youth in New Jersey, providing her with broad insight into life and the business world.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Donna
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to myself. I've worked since I was young back in New Jersey and had to have working papers. Over the years I've educated myself and through all of my different roles I've gained a lot of insight on how life is and how the business world is and how you should behave.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Just take one day at a time and just be who you are and helpfulness kindness and just be who you are. That will help you in any career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Being an administrative assistant is multitasking. Know that people come to you for help and guidance and to keep things flowing. Take every day and know that you are the center of that department and that you are helping and assisting others that need your help. It's a great field to be in.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges are every student that comes into our program has a story and having to understand their story and read them and be able to communicate and help them. Everybody is different. You can't treat everyone the same.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Moral values like being kind to people and helpful. Know that everyone has a story. Treat coworkers with respect and kindness. Be a team player and have a positive attitude. Don't sweat the small stuff because everything has a solution.
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